Hydradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition of the sweat glands (called as apocrine or sebaceous glands) and hair follicles. The apocrine glands are found in the axillae (arm pits), areola surrounding the nipples and anal canal. They open into the hair follicles. This may present as a group of boils or abscesses.

It is also found in areas of skin, which come in contact with each other like the sub mammary folds under the breasts and inner thighs.

Stage 1: In this stage there is development of multiple areas of inflammation and pus but there is no development of sinus tracts or scar formations.

Here the patient presents with blackheads, red, painful bumps that feel like hardened lumps under the skin. These are the abscesses. Gradually these abscesses become bigger, break open and there are leakage of pus from the tracts.

Stage 2: There is formation of pus in multiple areas, which can spread to other areas and form tunnels under the skin between the abscesses.

Stage 3: Along with pus formation and tunnel formations in multiple areas, scarring takes place.